Mexico has struggled to build an integrated transportation network for the country’s diverse landscape and developing economy. This is because there is a lack of good rail and road connections from east to west through some parts of Mexico, particularly in the north of the country. It was one of the first countries in Latin America to promote railroad development, but the previously state-owned railroad system is inefficient. However, significant improvements have been made since the government privatized the system.

Road freight is the main means of transportation in Mexico. Most of the passenger and freight movements are through the highway system by interstate buses and land transport. In 2019, road freight transport accounted for 76.3% of total inland freight transport, followed by rail and inland water transport (17.6% and 6.1%, respectively). It moved 83.2% of the gross domestic product, contributed 3.96% to gross domestic product (GDP), and generated 2.73% of national employment.

Manufacturers are heavily reliant on road transport. Of 152,487 companies, 97.2% are classified as micro and are scattered around the country meaning that point-to-point movement of goods can only be managed via the road system. Like railroads, all major highways lead to Mexico City. Some connect the northern border town with the capital, while others connect the Yucatan Peninsula with Guatemala with Mesa Central. The PanAmerican Highway runs from Ciudad Cuauhtémoc on the border with Guatemala to Nuevo Laredo on the border with the United States, passing through Mexico City.

Many highways have been improved, but Mexican roads are barely sufficient to meet the needs of the country. Many traffic accidents are caused by holes in mountain roads and missing guardrails. Moreover, dangerous traffic is mixed on many roads, including overloaded trucks, cars, pedestrians, bicycles, buses, and even grazing animals in some areas.